College Football Futures: Best Bets to Win Conference (Pac-12)
The Pac-12 has been rumored to be in talks with the Big 12 to combine leagues into one. Adding some of those Big 12 teams would be beneficial to this conference. But for now, the Pac-12 has what they have, and we’ll break it down below.
Check out our consensus odds to win the Pac-12 Championship >>
Odds to win the Pac-12 (via FanDuel)
- Oregon +250
- Washington +350
- Arizona State +400
- USC +400
- Utah +600
- UCLA +1200
- Washington State +4000
- California +5000
- Stanford +5000
- Colorado +6000
- Oregon State +6000
- Arizona +10000
Best Bet to win the Pac-12
On September 11, we’ll know exactly where Oregon stands in terms of competition level. They’ll take on Ohio State in one of the biggest non-conference games of the year.
In the last two seasons, it’s no secret. That Pac-12 has underperformed, and Oregon is a big reason why. The conference is wide open, but it was like that last season, and what did Oregon do?
They went and won the Pac-12 Championship and played in the Fiesta Bowl. But expectations were the Fiesta Bowl. It was to make the CFP Playoff, and they failed miserably.
It looks as though Oregon will start Boston College transfer, Anthony Brown, at quarterback, although this is not confirmed as of now. Brown threw for 164 yards and two passing and two rushing touchdowns in his Oregon career. He’s fighting Jay Butterfield and Ty Thompson for the job, but it’s Brown’s to lose at the moment.
No matter who the quarterback is, you should know that the receiving corps of the Ducks is excellent. They’ll bring back Devon Williams, who averaged more than 19 yards per catch last season, and Jaylon Redd, who caught 25 passes last season. There’s plenty of talent and potential on this roster offensively.
The offensive line didn’t have Penei Sewell last season as he prepared for the NFL instead of playing for Oregon. But all in all, the line played well last year, and all five starters that played in the Fiesta Bowl are coming back for this season. That’s gotta help anyone’s confidence behind Oregon’s football team.
The offensive line will also do a solid job in the run game as Travis Dye and CJ Verdell will get some carries. These two backs are arguably one of the best tandems in college football and are both able to catch out of the backfield along with running.
Defensively, Oregon has all the talent in the world, and while they didn’t play like it last year, the skill still snuck through at times. The pass rush should have no problem getting pressure, and the front seven should be fine against the run this season.
The Ducks will have experience at secondary and should make more plays than they made last season. Allowing over 400 yards and 28 points per game last season was unacceptable for this team. They’ll be more prepared this season, thanks to the veterans returning.
Best Bet: Oregon +250
Value Bet to win the Big 10
Washington played just four games last season and went 3-1. Their lone loss came against Stanford at home, 31-26, but it’s hard to really talk down on this team as COVID-19 really took a toll on this squad.
The Huskies literally played just four games throughout the entire season and never got a chance to take on Oregon in the first place.
With nine starters back on offense, Washington is ready to take off this season and regroup from last year’s missed time.
Washington was clutch on third downs and really just methodically moved the ball down the field chain by chain.
The offensive line allowed just one sack and ten tackles for a loss in the four games they played, and they’ll have all five starters back from last year’s team. There’s talk that at least three of the five starters could win All-Pac 12 honors.
The Huskies also have four running backs they won’t mind using, which keeps everyone fresh and ready to go.
In 2020, Dylan Morris got the quarterback job and completed 60.9 percent of his passes for a quarterback rating of 136. He also showed off his legs at times. The one area where Washington will need some playmakers is at wideout. They lost their top two receivers but still have Cade Otton at tight end and Terrell Bynum, who should develop into a solid wideout. Ja’Lynn Polk is also a transfer coming from Texas Tech that should make an immediate impact.
On the defensive end, Washington has an amazing core of linebackers behind Zion Tupuola-Fetui, who had seven sacks in just four games last year. Washington always has huge linemen up front and terrific linebackers. That’s never going to be a problem for them. It’ll only be a strength when going up against Oregon’s offensive line, for example.
The secondary should be solid, and since the Huskies brought in Brendan Radley-Hiles from Oklahoma, things only look brighter for this squad. With the pass rush getting to the quarterback quickly, the secondary will have plenty of chances to catch bad passes and deflected passes.
Washington needs a full season to show their potential, and they’ll get one this season.
Value Bet: Washington +350
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Jason Radowitz is a featured writer at BettingPros. For more from Jason, check out his archive and follow him @Jason_Radowitz.